"Officer of the Year" Atlanta police officer Aubree Horton was killed while attempting to rob a Douglas County home under the influence of narcotics.

"On an attempted burglary, we understand that an individual attempted to gain entry into the residence," the sheriff explained. "Once inside, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual. At this time, the individual is deceased."

Authorities revealed that Horton also lived in the neighborhood, about a half-mile from the scene, and may have been experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.

Investigator Horton was honored as "Officer of the Year" at the "Crime is Toast" breakfast just days earlier, on Sept. 24.